Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy by Regulating Your Blood Sugar Levels is the rephrased title. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of managing blood sugar to avert diabetes-related nerve damage.
Those with diabetes are all too familiar with the risks associated with high blood sugar levels. Those who struggle to control their blood sugar are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), and other complications.
The Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, stresses the toxic effects of high blood sugar on nerves. According to pain management specialist Robert Bolash, MD, high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to tingling, pins and needles, burning, or sharp, stabbing pain. Diabetic neuropathy typically starts in the toes, feet, or ankles and can progress up the body as the condition worsens. However, nerve damage can also affect the hands, wrists, heart, digestive system, sex organs, and other areas.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that about one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have some degree of nerve damage. Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage at any time, although there is an association between very high levels of blood sugar and its development. Even those with mild diabetes may experience severe nerve pain, while others remain unaffected. The highest rates of nerve damage are among people who have had diabetes for 25 years or longer.
To avoid diabetic neuropathy, it is crucial to control blood sugar levels as much as possible. While diabetic neuropathy can be challenging to reverse and may cause serious problems, particularly in the feet, treatments can help relieve its symptoms. Working with endocrinology specialists to control blood sugar levels can prevent or delay additional nerve damage, while various treatments can manage any resulting discomfort.
Some of the best ways to find relief from neuropathy include oral medications like prescription antidepressants and anticonvulsants, topical medications for pain in small areas, and nerve stimulation for more severe cases. Stimulation can make a significant difference in cases of severe pain and improve function, even if it does not fix the damage caused by diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that spinal cord stimulation may be more effective than managing pain with medications.
If you have diabetes, discuss any nerve pain with your primary care physician and be screened for diabetic complications. Early detection and intervention can make a substantial difference in the treatment of neuropathy.
- The news about the risks of high blood sugar for people with diabetes, particularly diabetic neuropathy, is concerning for many.
- High blood sugar can cause various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, and nerve damage.
- Diabetes can lead to chronic conditions like chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.
- The Cleveland Clinic highlights the toxic effects of high blood sugar on nerves, which can result in symptoms like tingling, pins and needles, burning, or sharp, stabbing pain.
- Diabetic neuropathy typically starts in the toes, feet, or ankles and can progress up the body as the condition worsens.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that about one-third to one-half of people with diabetes have some degree of nerve damage.
- Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage at any time, though there is an association between very high levels of blood sugar and its development.
- To avoid diabetic neuropathy, it is crucial to control blood sugar levels and maintain overall health and wellness through fitness and exercise, nutrition, and skin care.
- Workplace-wellness programs can help manage diabetes by promoting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and stress management.
- Alongside controlling blood sugar levels, various therapies and treatments can help manage any resulting symptoms, such as oral medications, topical medications, and nerve stimulation.
- Mental health is also crucial for those with diabetes, as stress and anxiety can contribute to poor blood sugar control.
- Aging can increase the risk of diabetes and its complications, including nerve damage, so it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle as we grow older.
- Women with diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
- For parents with diabetes, it is important to manage the condition to ensure a healthy future for yourself and your child, as they are more likely to develop diabetes themselves.
